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ADDRESS 



DELIVERED IN THE HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES 



EIGHTH OF JANUARY, 1S45. 



THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 



AND CITIZENS. 



BY JOHN I. CAMPBELL, 

n 

OF MARION. 



JAMES LUSK, PRINTER. 

MDCCCXLV. 



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ADDRESS. 



Fellow Citizens — 

It is no less our duly than our interest to meet on oc- 
casions like the present, and' cherish as wo may deem best, tho 
events which adorn the pages of our country's history. For s ich 
a purpose we are here to-day : here the storm and stiife of party 
warfare should not be seen ; here the spirit of discord may not 
enter ; hut dropping for this day those differences of feeling and 
opinion which always attend the energies and actions of freemen 
in the pursuit of happiness, and the adoption of the means to se- 
cure it ; we gather around our country's altar, and lay our gifts 
upon it with the deep emotions of patriotism and gratitude which 
fill the heart as we contemplate some deed of valor, or some sig- 
nal blessing bestowed upon us. It is well for us that we can with 
little effort Jink ourselves with the past, move in its scenes, catch 
its soul-stirring animations, bring around us its toils, its dangers, 
and its triumphs : and with equal case can we reach in fancy the 
dark unrevealed future, and combining tho lessons and spirit of 
the one, with the anticipations of the other, cause them all to bear 
upon the present with many practical results. Po-xlay, we seem 
connected with the past in feeling, suffering, and sympathy, and 
with the future, by the influence which our actions must have upon 
it.. All that is good in our institutions — all that has been built up 
by the wisdom of our fathers — all that has been won by their va- 
lor, is committed to our care, and the love we bear our country, tho 
firmness and fidelity with which we cherish and preserve the sa- 



cred tnust, will tell with fearful interest upon the destinies of those 
who shall succeed us. 

This trust is one- of mighty magnitude. Over other govern- 
ments the wave of revolution may roll with desolating and des- 
tructive influence, and the result may he, the transfer c'f the jew- 
elled crown from the head of one prince, or tyrant, to that of an- 
other, whilst the condition of the people may be the same, the fetters 
as strong, and the practical elevation and freedom of the mass be as 
little and as nominal as before the revolution commenced. But 
with us this cannot be ; our land is already the homo of the frce ? 
our go < m nt is the practical and successful experiment of 
man's capability to govern himself. We hold out the light, that 
like the pillar of fire, guides the friends of freedom in every land. 
By the kindness and direction of an overruling providence every 
circumstance that would tend fb^aise man tu his highest dignity, 
and promote his highest happiness, may be seen by him who at- 
tentively reads the history of these States. 

It may be well for us to look back, and briefly allude to some 
of the great leading causes which led to the establishment of our 
Union, and the secret of that success which followed the efforts of 
our ancestors. And first, those men whose influence was most 
sensibly felt by the colonies, had been schooled in adversity, had 
suffered under oppression in almost every form — had been foi'ced 
to sever every tie that bound them to their native land, to leave 
home, kindred, country, and friends, to enjoy the unquestionable 
right of ee. There was in them no hatred to a well re- 

gulated government'; no settled disregard of law ; no want of 
respect for the rights of others — but an ardent love of freedom lead- 
ing them almost certainly to the maintenance of free institutions. 
With these feelings, principles, and desires ; with this character 
gome of them left their native land, and trusting themselves 
in their frail bark to a stormy sea, sought a homo in our 
land. But more than this, they were deeply versed in the purest 
morality, eminent for ardent piety, lovers of learning, and anx- 
ious to promote the best interests of man. 

The moment they touched our soil they bound themselves in a 
solemn sompact to secure equal rights and laws — freedom of 



speech and conscience, and every right that belongs to indepen- 
dent man. Active in tho dissemination of knowledge — the basis 
of all good and free institutions — they erected school houses, rear- 
ed ap temples, cultivated the arts, and commenced the formation 
of that character and those habits which alone fit a people for 
the blessings of freedom. 

The influence of such a people may be seen as uc trace still 
further down tho history of these colonies, we shall find that step 
by step, as they increased in wealth, power, and numbers, were 
the undeniablo blessings of a well regulated government, fostered 
by those who were wise enough to understand then;, virtuous 
enough to appreciate them, and bold enough lo defend them. 

Tho influence of these Pilgrims was greatly felt by all who 
then formed the colonics ; and when at a yet later period, the 
oppression of the mother country, forced them into tho move- 
men's which preceded the Revolution, we find the full power of 
such a people as I have described. We see not the wild outbreaks 
of anarchy ; not the hasty movements of an ill regulated law- 
less multitude, but the cautious arrangements of the wise in coun- 
cil, tho patriotic in heart, of men who had tasted the blessings of 
liberty. 

At this trying hour, the freedom of the people depended greatly 
upon the stleps then taken, the measures then adopted. We needed 
just then, men pure, disinterested, unambitious of any fame other 
than that which had for its base the freedom of their country; and 
such we found — unlike the leaders of other revolutions — wisely and 
prudently, yet fearlessly, did they move onward anvil the eventful 
struggle commenced. They entered it weak in all the resources of 
war, but the kindled ardor of a freeman's heart. Soon there aroso 
one among lhem, unlike the heroes of other days, and fully pre- 
pated to lead on such a people as then ..formed the colonies — one, 
whose fame is graven upon every patriot heart, in whom valor and 
wisdom, virtue, integrity, and patriotism blended their highest ex- 
cellence. Placing himself at the head of our armies, he led them 
on to a glorious triumph. 

•To whom in the long annals of history wa9 ever given such 



immense power, as was given to Washington, and the gift not made 
a curse to those who gave it. 

The Revolution past, the nation free — the character — the pecu- 
liar character of our people, was thoroughly tested in subsequent 
events. The independence we had won would avail us little unless 
some government could be formed which would secure its blessings. 
The tented field was deserted, and 'he council chamber filled. The 
same people to which I have called your attention were there. 
There was no grasping after emoluments and honors; those who 
had nobly won the first, and well deserved the latter, placed them 
upon the altar of their country. Here was no sectional, narrow 
feeling that looked to the interest of party, at the expense of the 
whole ; but forgetting self, and acting for the interest — the high- 
est interest — of all the colonics, they formed the confederation. 

Let us follow these noble men further, and witness still further 
developments of their peculiar fitness to raise up and sustain the 
glorious institutions which to-day aie ours. As time passed on 
and the country began to realize, more and more, the pressure pro- 
duced by the revolution, and the true condition and interests of the 
colonies, it was thought best by these watchful patriots to draw 
yet closer the lies of our union, by forming a new constitution. 
And here sec once more, and more strikingly, perhaps, than ever, 
the effect of all the causes favorable to our country, about which 
I have before spoken. Here were assembled Washington, Madi- 
son, Franklin, and a host of others, tried in the hour that tried 
men's souls. Watch for a moment their progress ,• look at the 
conflicting interests to be reconciled ; see the deep intensity of in- 
terest fell by every lover of his country. What n feeling of bar- 
mnnv and patriotism reigns in that body; how every grant of power 
from the people is watched, guarded ; how the interests of large 
and small States arc equalized and adjusted ; how every feeling 
of discoid is quelled ; and how at last, the glorious result of all 
their anxious thoughts and collected wisdom is submitted to tho 
people, and by them accepted, in the form of our present constitu- 
tion. Almost as soon as it went into operation its benign and bles- 
aed influenco was felt in overy portion of our growing and widely 
extended country. The rich but hidden resources of our govern- 



ment were rapidly developed ; the spirit of freedom, the intellect, 
gave new impulse to the en?rgy and industry of our land. Com- 
merce and tho arts dispensed their blessings, our cities sprung up 
as by magic, population increased, the forest fell before the bold 
and hardy pioneer, wealth poured into our treasury ; our credit 
was restored ; in short, the full rich blessings of peace and hap- 
piness were ours. 

But these halcyon days were soon to pass. The power whose 
fetters our fathers had broken, looked upon us with the spirit of 
revenge, avarice, and jeolousy, and soon commenced again the 
work of insult and oppression. Seeking peace at any expense, 
save that of honor, we took up arms, once more to contend with 
the acknowledged mistress of the world. 

I cannot dwell, as I would delight to do, upon the incidents of 
this struggle, as history records them. It will better suit our pre- 
sent purpose to recur to that brilliant event we this day com- 
memorate. In doing so, I may perhaps bo pardoned, familiar as 
are the scenes of this great victory, if I detain you with a brief 
history of it, drawn mostly from one of our most graphic histo- 
rians. 

A short time after the capture of Pensacola, it wns evident that 
formidable preparations wero making for an invasion of Louisian- 
na. About the 15th of September, Clairborne, Governor of Lou- 
isiana, ordered the two divisions of Louisiana militia, the first un- 
der Gen. Thomas, the second under Gen. Villiere, to hold them- 
selves in readiness to march at a moment's warning. Louisiana 
had felt as yet but little of the war, except upon her commerce 
and agriculture. The French — mild and gentle in their disposi- 
tion, had paid but little attention to it, and the militia outside the 
city could scarcely be said to be organized; nothing short ef in- 
vasion could arouse them. The city was brtter prepared, relying 
much upon themselves, and expecting little aid from the General 
Government, they manifested some zeal in preparing to meet the 
invador. Their great security was found in the nature of the sur- 
rounding country ; and yet they had reason for the alarm so gen' 
erally felt, for, as it respected men, arms, and military works, they 
wero in a most defenceless condition. The Legislature, though ia 



8 

session, had as yet done nothing. They greatly needed at this 
time some master spirit to direct their destinies and save them 
from impending ruin. At this time, that master spirit came, quick 
in thought, bold and daring in execution, with' heart nnd energies 
devoted to his country. General Jackson, who had left Mobile at 
the first tidings of danger, reached New Orleans on too 2nd day 
of December. Every heart felt, joy, every eye flashed with con- 
fidence at his approach, Without a moment's delay, and with 
the eye of an accomplished and gallan' scldier, every position was 
examined and fortified. The Legislature at his call granted him 
aid. About a thousand regulars were placed in the city, and the 
Tennessee troops, under Coffee and Carroll, were distributed at the 
most vulnerable points. These hasty arrangements were scarcely 
finished before intelligence was received that the British fleet, con- 
sisting of at least sixty sail, was off the coast on the east of the 
Mississippi. Commodore Patterson now despatched a flotilla of 
gun-boats, under the command of Lieutenant Jones, to watch tho 
movements of the enemy. Soon they were seen in such force at 
the entrance of Lake Borgne, that Jones determined to make sale 
for the passes of Lake Ponehatrnin to oppose the en'.rai cc of tho 
enemy there. On the 14ih (if December, while becalmed-, thia 
flotilla was attacked by nearly forty barges, carrying twelve hun- 
dred men, and after a gallant struggle with such fearful odds, sur- 
rendered. This loss was severely felt : the enemy could now 
choose his point of attack, and the Americans were deprived of 
the means of watching them. But the fir.r. heart of Jackson fail- 
ed not at slight difficulties like this. Placing a battalion under 
Major Lacostc, together with the Felicia tin* dragoons, he ordered 
them to take post so .as to defend the Genlilly road leading to tho 
city, and tho passes from Lake Borgne to lake Ponchar'.rain, whilo 
Capt. Newman was ordered to defend to the last extremity, tho 
only other channel between these two lakes. Other activo and 
energetic means and modes of defence were adopted, which I need 
not here detail. There was a channel connected with LakeBorgno 
which, though known to few, had not escaped the vigilant eye of 
the commander. He had ordered it to be obstructed. A small 



9 

■force was placed there, but its obstruction was forgotten or ne- 
glected. 

On tho 22d of December, guided by sonic fishermen, a division 
of the enemy, under Gen. Kean, came suddenly upon the Ameri- 
can guard and took them prisoners. At about 4 o'clock in the 
morning, they had reached the commencement of Villiere's canal, 
and satisfied with their advantage, resteeffor a few hours. Soon 
afterward they surrounded the house of Gen. Villicrc, who fortu- 
nately escaped, and communicated the intelligence at head-quar- 
ters. Quick as thought, Jackson dclermined to attack him. It 
was enough for him to know that the foot of the foe pressed hia 
country's soil. In an hour's time the riflemen, finder Coffee, the 
regulars and city volunteers were ready to march. The Caro- 
line, under Capt. Henly, dropped down the river, and tho Louisi- 
ana, under Thompson, was soon to follow. Tho order of battle 
was soon arranged. Coffee wus-ordercd to turn their right, and 
attack them in the rear. General Jackson with the main body 
assailed them in front and on the left. Tho signal of attack was 
a fire from the Caroline. It was now night, and tho enemy's fires 
were sen ; thus directed, the action commenced by a raking 
broadside from the Caroline, At this moment Coffee's men rush- 
ed with impetuosity to the attack, while the troops under Jackson 
advanced with equal ardor. The enemy thus surprised, with tho 
cool bravery of English soldiers, extinguished their lights and 
formed, but not before hundreds had been killed and wounded. A 
thick fog rising at this time, and a misunderstanding of instruc- 
tions, caused confusion in our ranks, and induced Gen. Jackson to 
call off his troops. Yet they laid upon the ground that night, and 
the next morning retired to a position about two miles nearer tho 
city. 

In this battle the gallant Lauderdale, of Tennessee, fell ; the 
enemy's loss was very considerable, and ours small. With cease- 
less energy, Jackson fortified his new posi'.ion ; nor were the en- 
emy idle : erecting batteries, they set fire to and blew up the Ca- 
roline, and the Louisiana was only saved by the greatest oxertion 
and skill of her commander. 

On the 28th of December, another attack was made with a de- 






10 

sign to drive General Jackson into the city ; but in this the ene- 
my were repulsed. Again, en ihc first of January, the enemy 
were repulsed by the braver} - and well directed lire of our troops. 
Things were now rapidly approaching a crisis. 

On the 4th new hope and spirit wero imparled to our army by 
the arrival of 2500 Kentuckians. They had hastened to the 
scene, and though worn down, and a great number of them un- 
armed ; they gathered such arms as were to be found, and were 
ready to battle in their country's cause. At this time the British 
were reinforced by the arrival of 4000 troops, under Gen. Lam- 
bert. 

The last, the decisive effort was now to be made. On the 7th 
the foe had made a water communication from the swamp to the 
Mississippi. On our side, things were in a stale of readiness to 
receive them. 

And here, fellow citizens, permit inc, before I notice the event 
which followed, to dwell about that scene, to mingle with the 
feelings of our gallant army, and wilh the feelings of him who 
so ably and successfully commanded it. AVho can describe 
feelings of that noble band. Before ihcm was a well disciplined 
army, commanded by able and experienced officers, accustomed: 
to triumph, superior in numbers, bold and daring, and urged on by 
every passion, promise and appeal. Behind them v. etc their 
homes, wives, children, and friends ; in their hands wero placed 
for a time, tho destinies of their loved, their native land, yea, li 
bcrty ilself. How throbbed their hearts, as the thought came rush 
ing o'er their spirits — shall our country and our homes be saved, o 
shall we find a soldier's grave o'or which yon host shall march 
Shall kindred, country, all bo lost, or shall we send up the lou 
shout of victory over those who seek to destroy. Who can te 
the firm resolve that swelled every heart and flashed from ever 
eye. Who can picture the hushed, deep stillness of that scene, o 
there they wait the shock, the rush, the charge of baU'.c. But 'd 
such were the thoughts and feelings of that bravo and patriot j- 
band, how may I tell the deep, intense emotion of him upon whom 
rested the dreadful responsibility of that dreadful hour ! To him 
every cyo in that faithful band was turned. They had followed 



11 

him through many an hour of toil — through many a scene of dan- 
ger — he* knew them well; he loved ihcm much. Yon eny with 
its thousands, awed and hushed, looked to him. His country, 
through all its vast extent, with strong confidence, but yet with 
trembling anxiety^ turned to him in this trying hour. Country, 
army, home, freedom, fame — all seemed perilled on the event. 
Well and deeply did he feel it. With the firm and undaunted eool- 
«ness of the hero, he moved along his line, and the flash of hs eye, 
the tone of his voice imparted hope, animation, and courage to 
every heart in that little army. 

But the light of the ever memorable Eighth has dawned; the note 
of preparation is heard ; the marshalled columns firm, determin- 
ed, move slowly on. The eye of our commander is fixed upon 
them ; the work of death must soon commence. How feels that 
chief now? Ah ! could we read his heart, his earnest, unuttered 
prayer would be — • 

Oh ! Hjaven, my bleeding country save ! 

Js tin re no hind on high to shield the brave? 

Yet, though destruction sweep these lovely plains, 

Rise, fellow men, our country yet remain-.-. 

In that dread name we wave the s-vord on high. 

Arid swear fjr her to live — with her to die. 

But ere the thought is past tho pealing thunder of the battle is 
heard — the wreathing columns of flame flash from his whole line, 
mowing down with dreadful fatality the columns of the approach- 
ing foe. The effect was overwhelming. Broken, disheartened, 
'.hey retired. An effort is made to rally them. Packingham is at 
'.heir head, animating and cheering them, and falls in the act. 
amid the hundreds of his brave soldiers,) fighting with a bravery 
• nd energy worthy of a better cause. Once more these brave and 
levoted men by Kean and Gibbs are brought forward to feel again 
•;he dreadful power which had just slain their friends. Again they 
i ; ;ive way. Kean and Gibbs are both wounded, their army routed; 
nd, though disaster happened to our army on the right bank of 
the river, the day was won, the contest finished, victory was ours. 
The stars and stripes floated in proud triumph over that field of 
blood. The shout of victory streamed along the American line — 
the glad city welcomed the returning conqueror, yielding him the 



12 

deep gratitude of full hearts for the laurels he had won, and the 
blessings he had bestowed. And thus, in the language of one of 
the hero's most eloquent defenders,' were breasted the tempestuous 
waves of a doubtful war ; a war which had shaken to its base the 
massey columns of the hall where it was declared", and razed the 
capitol to its foundation stone, whilst phrenzied fear bewildered all 
it met, and red-eve d hate rolled with a sa.tanic smile over the ad- 
ministration of your country — he it was who brought a reputa- 
tion to your arms and to your country, bright and more bright as 
the storm lulled away. 

Let us, my friends, to whom arc committed the destinies in some 
measure, of a government thus built up, thus defended, catch some- 
thing of the pure spirit and patriotism of those who preceded us, 
and throwing aside every narrow ami selfish feeling, give to ihoso 
who shall succeed us, the government under which we live, un- 
injured by any action of ours, and strong and firm in all that shall 
make it a blessing to the untold millions that may live under it. 
Let us remember that the virtue, patriotism, and intelligence that 
built it up, will at all times be required to preserve it. 

But before I conclude, may I not turn again to the man whoso 
name is forever identified with this day. Venerable chief, how 
thrills thv heart this day ! Thirty years have passed since its 
glory was won, and yet thou livest to behold it once more. To 
see the nation, for which thou didst peril thy life, great, growing, 
and prosperous. Thy eventful life is nearly closed ; time has 
written its traces or. thy brow; thou standest in the twilight of 
two worlds. With the storms, contests, and honors of the one thou 
art nearly done : To tho realities of the other thou must soon ap- 
proach. May the evening of thy life be as calm, as peaceful, and 
happy, as its morning -was stormy and brilliant ; and when thy 
earth-wearied spirit leaves Us tenement of clay, may repose and 
bliss be found in that upper and better world, where war, and strife, 
and toil forever cease. 



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